10 Things Firefighters Do (almost) Daily

[@jaredbrun6333]

Just got the job offer from my city’s fire department. I’ll be starting academy next month!

[@wojtas9986]

good luck!

[@jvionsmith3619]

Congrats keep up the good work!

[@mike_pertz]

YESSS! Congratulations Jared!!! Good luck!

[@paintballfanatic7231]

Whoah! Congrats! Let us know how it's going. I'm in EMT school right now and plan on going to academy shortly after I finish EMT.

[@mtbmatt3743]

Going through the VT Fire academy now I would start studying fire dynamics if the curse is PRO Board check out ifsta 7 book or app really helpful

[@kathyfranckiewicz2807]

I married a firefighter & am so glad you put this out there! He was always busy! Most of the time I called the station, I had to leave a message, bc the guys were always doing something that pertained to their job. They work so hard! 👩🏻‍🚒🚒🧯❤

[@john-w8w6s]

you didn't call the station too much did ya????

[@giocortz5871]

lol why would you be calling their station in the first place? Unless it was an absolute emergency, there’s no need to call.

[@kathyfranckiewicz2807]

@@giocortz5871 My husband told me to call him. (Via text) Most of the time, I did not.

[@SeanStewart88]

I’ve just started fire academy, it’s to volunteer for my local area but it’s been a life long dream. Hoping I can take this experience and make it a career one day at the ripe old age of 36. Your channel has been very insightful.

[@phil352]

I just got out of academy and I had people in their 40s and up in my class that were in better shape than I was being in my 20s lol

[@glambo02]

Hey I got on with the department I was going for, starting academy in March. This process started two months ago, and you’ve helped me a ton. Thank you, keep up the great vids!

[@mike_pertz]

That is AWESOME!!! These are the best comments, congratulations to you and good luck!

[@glambo02]

@@mike_pertz Thank you a ton! That interview was brutal.

[@jesval01]

@@glambo02 how’s it going?

[@ExPains]

How is it do you like it

[@D-enson]

Can't believe drinking coffee never at least got an honourable mention, if never get through a shift without it

[@mike_pertz]

haha that's true, but I made sure that was in my video about things rookies should be doing on probation,...learning how the coffee maker works

[@kaleb4214]

Thank you for putting this information out there for us!! God bless you and your family from Santa Monica, CA ✝️🇺🇸

[@hargett3129]

One thing to add is paperwork and planning. Every call you respond you’ll do some type report about that call and that could take a few minutes to maybe an hour or two depending on the nature and severity of the call. Planning goes with the training, for my department, we have to plan out some of our training and coordinate it either other departments or owners of properties where we may get a residential structure and use it to run scenarios in. To conclude, there’s a lot a seat time as well but it involves paperwork even down to budgets and how we’re gonna spend the tax payers money to provide a better service to them as well as to maintain our safety as well.

[@DougCaldwell]

Thank you for a very informative and educational discussion of fire service. I was able to attend a 10 week citizen's fire academy in my home town. We met once a week and had the opportunity to spend up to six hours at a station (I went to all 13) and go on ride outs. Cool stuff for civilian to ride with lights and siren going. I saw first hand how my tax dollars were being spent to safeguard my town. Big lesson learned is in my town 70% of calls are for medical/rescue service. Not many fire calls at all which is a good thing. I recommend that one take advantage of a citizen fire academy if offered.

[@Godislove4517]

Preschool is 3, 4, and 5 year olds. I don't think that is too young. I've worked with this age a lot. My 5 year old nephew told me he wanted to be a firetruck when he grew up. Education for them is more of an introduction. Just seeing firefighters as the good guys is important.

[@deckgun31]

@FirefighterNow Just turned 39 years - still going. Got a few more years to finish. Seen a lot of changes, for sure. It all comes with training. If you’re not learning, you’re falling out of step. Keep going, you’re doing a good thing for the fire service by posting these videos. Thanks!

[@leonardmi89]

I just came across your videos I’m studying and getting ready for my written entrance exam May 5th 2022 I’m excited and nervous but I’m confident I’m going to do great! I has uncle who just recently retired from the fire department in San Antonio Texas and my dads godfather was a fire chef here in San Antonio Tx I’m a Chef now but I’ve always wanted to become a firefighter now I’m going for it!

[@ralphbove]

Nice vid. Good info. 31 years in - retired now. I remember how much FF hated the EMS part when I started. By the time I finished almost all of us were EMT-Ps and we had to have one on every truck and engine. Adapt or die.

[@mike_pertz]

very true!

[@joeysantos7953]

I start academy tomorrow, it’s a night time academy at a community college and I’m beyond excited.

[@kalebhopkins248]

As a volunteer firefighter we respond to anything like structure fires, MVA, car fire, wildland, hazmat, SAR, medical and other assist calls

[@sandyschannel6917]

Thanks for what you do on the channel. It gives us non firefighters a look into the fire service and helps the guys who want to join up or are firefighters. Good job

[@randomobserver8168]

Civilian here- I live in Ottawa, Canada. As far as I can tell from occasionally seeing them in action, we have a top notch fire department here. I sort of knew a fair bit of what you covered here, but great to see all this packaged in a solid format and laid out for us. Fire departments are a public service I'm more than happy to see well funded, whatever the nature of most of the calls and even if more of it is training, preparation and prevention than actively fighting fires. Plus, when I was a kid in the 70s in school and we had fire safety training or emergency training we were always told to expect the fire department first, cops second and ambulance last. This was not a dig at the ambulance service/paramedics [which were new then here- but I guess following developments in the US quickly] but just that they were and largely remain a separate service from the fire department up here and their stations are not as numerous. Or at least differently spread out. I don't know whether this is a strategy or just an institutional legacy- but it seemed to be the system in the two cities I've lived in at least- Toronto and Ottawa. Anyway, they taught us that firefighters would almost always show up first to most 911 calls unless crime-specific, and that those firefighters would have at least some medic capacity for those kinds of emergencies. So somehow how I had the idea very early on that firefighters would provide at least some emergency medical help. Thanks again for really educational content.

[@jhm1129]

Just did a preschool education event. Got little kids used to seeing fire fighters in full gear to try and get them over being afraid. Also was in combination with parents, a lot of new parents got some tips that they found very helpful.

[@Nics574]

Paid on call here and love it, I love it So much I heard our major city where I’m located opened up the application process for full time and I jumped on the opportunity hope I get it. Thank you for the videos!

[@qualitywhims9102]

Loved this. I feel like there wasn’t enough emphasis on rescue services… I feel like what firefighters are probably doing most often is rescuing people from variations of calamity. Like you said, that’s primarily medical services, but secondarily… It seems like y’all are saving people from sketchy scenarios more often than you’re fighting fires - car accidents, etc. So, in order of occurrence, it seems like the proper title for firefighters would be: Paramedic Rescue Fire Someone please chime in if that’s inaccurate.

[@travisdavis5182]

Yes. The calls are really the extra stuff. Daily: clean station, equipment and apparatus. I have run 911 calls for leaking toilets. Not to mention changing smoke detector batteries at 3 am. Still love the job even if 99% of the public have no idea what we do every day!

[@spaghetti9845]

When you spend 24 hours in a building with the same people for 1/3 of the year you have to find things to keep yourself occupied, aside from normal station duties. I work with a guy who sharpens chainsaw links.. the most tedious thing ever.

[@garyradtke3252]

Glad to see you laid out what you guys actually do for those that don't know. I do miss the fire fighters competitions that used to be on the Wide World Of Sports in the 60's. If they still do that it would be an interesting subject.

[@meaper960]

In my city in Germany, we also maintain the trucks and equipment for several associated volunteer fire stations. There is always more work than time at the end of the shifts.

[@sandman0127]

I remember when I was a boy my mom called city services (metro call in my area) and had the fire department come install smoke alarms she baked cupcakes and all and didn't tell me she told me I had a surprise next thing I remember here comes the local engine company it was a blast 2 firefighters put up the smoke alarm and the other 2 were talking to us and eating cupcakes it was one of many good memories I've had of the fire service.. 28 days left until I can apply!!

[@redstripegreentruck4076]

That's awesome! Glad you have that cool memory. Good luck on getting accepted!

[@sandman0127]

@@redstripegreentruck4076 thank you :) I'm waiting for a class to open locally

[@tonypuntillo4931]

Sometimes we can't make everyone happy, but we do help and care about others. At remarks when things like that being said, you just have to look at it as you did help them and it was a successful outcome.

[@ventz77]

Really glad I found this channel. I’ve been thinking about becoming a firefighter and your channel has tons of helpful information. Thank you!

[@masonellwood7]

My worst nightmare was the first words. 3AM in the morning *SO ****** FIRST RESPONDERS I HAVE A LIFT ASSIT [ADRESS].* And it is always a 400-500 pound person.

[@RGL01]

Us New Yorkers do not underestimate the dedication, hard work, and bravery of firefighters.

[@kathyfranckiewicz2807]

Perhaps…especially in the beginning. But, then I learned.😊

[@chriscarlson6880]

“Teach them how to play with matches” i love it raising the new generation right

[@terrystrang5044]

I have been a volunteer firefighter/Emt and had people think that we were always there like paid firefighters.I tell them we are at home/job or doing every day things like anybody does .

[@TheRaptoer]

One major reason that fire departments started doing education at elementary schools is so that they'll recognize what a firefighter looks like during a fire. Imagine being a 6 year old, and you wake up to smoke, you don't know what to do, and all of a sudden the door busts open and this big man in a scary suit and mask comes in. It's scary. The hope is that they'll recognize that the fire fighter is there to help, so they won't go and hide.

[@mizondez53]

Thank you inshallah you get 1 million subs🤞🏽

[@lmungillo]

We dispose of sharps containers and have a ton of walk-ins everyday!

[@klarkyokhana2816]

Bro I just want to be a firefighter I'm 17. From iraq🌴❤

[@kenardmartin2128]

Detroit Fire Department 🏬 , All 17 of those, and of course Charle 19, code for a covid 19 call out.

[@kaylermccuistion3575]

Our citizen fire academy is what made me want to be a firefighter!

[@gregsopko20]

Thanks for making a video after 1 year of service

[@jayp7171]

Depending where you work, working on an ambulance may be just a fancy taxi service.

[@WhatWillYouFind]

If it is of any confusion why people LOVE fire instead of any other "public" service provider . . . this is a pretty good list why

[@christianmarsden1825]

Love the videos! I’m a chronic viewer. Is your department on a 24 on 48 off schedule? When you say daily, do you just mean every day you’re working?

[@mike_pertz]

Hey Christian, thanks for watching! Where I work we're on the California Swing...every other day for 5 days then off for 4 days. And I mean the days we're working...sorry I should have made that more clear.

[@williambain2646]

Yep, get that every day.

[@spaghetti9845]

You didn't mention we have to pay for our own cable TV / streaming service. I share my netflix and hulu info for ppl at work so if they want to watch something they don't have to pay. That made a few friends. The cool thing about firefighters though is there are a lot of people with different skills. Work with a guy who is a lineman for a power company, he carries his pole spikes on the engine and can cut off power to a building if needed instead of waiting for a utility company. Some guys know plumbing so can fix or improve things in the station. Could go on, but most FF are pretty technically inclined people. Sometimes we pull meters, but as far as I know that is not suggested

[@johnellard2191]

Excellent talk.

[@FROGMEDIC]

Making this viral on all social media platforms! The public has little clue.

[@udaymuhammad2851]

Keep it up🙏🏾

[@flavoredmint9790]

if you could reply to this question it would be great. If you were a military firefighter and decided to become a civilian firefighter after you got out what kind of advantages and benefits would you have over say a civilian firefighter that also had four years of experience?

[@angusmarch1066]

Thats a good question and I would also like to know. Are you a military firefighter? And if so, whats that like, where do you guys fit into the whole structure of the military. Is it a thing where you are a dedicated firestation or are you more like soldiers who double as firefighters when the situation calls for it?

[@zya5719]

What branch are you a military firefighter usmc?

[@KidCity1985]

That was clearly a very unhappy person. I'm sure they were embarrassed. Sad. I owned a large daycare center for 33 years. I really appreciated and was suprised by the response time , always.

[@joe-5D]

is ems a requirement or can you just be a regular ol firefighter?

[@Mr_bot118]

ik i heard of the one fire department in my province being called to go lift a male weighing over a few hundred kgs and took more than 8 firefighters and civilians to help get him on the stretcher (i am from south africa)

[@Mr_bot118]

also in south Africa we use 1 truck to go to fires/accidents and ofc search and rescue and bush fires like my local station has 3 trucks with 1 active truck a tanker and the other is more of a backup truck if the first one has to go for service. sorry for all the comments.

[@dylanzander3296]

And practice makess progress

[@limemonster2295]

Man: You guys don't do anything. Firefighter: Mike.....get the hose we will teach this man a lesson. Lol...

[@mike_pertz]

haha

[@findingbigfootwithbothhand507]

Why on Earth would anyone be rude to the people who protect them day in and day out?

[@williamfortin7331]

When would firefighters on 24/48 train? Do they just train while remaining on standby the whole time or do they have like half the team on call and the other half on training until its done?

[@danelouden1440]

Keep the vids comin

[@kenardmartin2128]

Detroit Fire Department 🏬 . All 17 of those.

[@paddywic]

Doesn't matter trying to explain. Just tell ignorant people, 'yes your right, and you are paying me'.

[@user-wk9bu6xm7y]

For us Station duties , truck checks , training , and then calls for us , medical , fire , rescue, hazmat ect .

[@lola2988]

Does Firefighter Now have a podcast?

[@skulleton]

11. Take dumps exclusively on the clock.

[@Weirdking27]

where is the rhino behind you from ?

[@taheerahbakare2824]

Just a quick question. Is it the Operation team that also do all the prevention, education, fitness, training or you have a team for all the functions you mentioned.

[@brownlj2013]

What city are you in Mike? I am active duty Air Force about to move home to the Lakewood/Cleveland area and looking to make the jump into public service while becoming an Air Force reservist.

[@lightenupindustries7522]

Hey mike, I had a question, so I just had a interview for a entry level wildland fire position and I felt ok during my interview by all means not great. I was super nervous and felt like I had to get my words out as fast as possible and in doing so I totally missed some of the points I was going to say. I have been practicing for weeks rehearsing the questions doing mock interviews and so on but when I got there it all went out the window and the questions that were given to me were different than what I have been preparing for. How do I not be nervous and anxious as hell when talking so someone when it really matters and how can I improve when it comes to adapting to questions?

[@mike_pertz]

Great question, and honestly I don't know of any special way to do that other than prepare. Be so prepared you can answer in your sleep. Also, don't forget the people you're interviewing in front of are JUST PEOPLE. They were exactly where you were, and when you get hired somewhere and get to know them you will wonder why you were ever so nervous.

[@lightenupindustries7522]

@@robertlivingstone8733 hey hey, no unfortunately I did not get a call back. But that’s fine and understandable. Regardless of me getting the job I’m glad i did it, to see the process and feel it so next time I’ll be better prepared. Im thinking of giving it another shot in a couple months since now I’m a EMT. Thank you for asking man means a lot.

[@anferneedevine218]

I graduate on the 25th

[@benedettohero3123]

Hey mike, i’ve been thinking about becoming a firefighter for a while now. I’m curious as to what the steps should be to become a firefighter. I am currently Employed with a full time job around the cle area, I’m wondering is it possible to do the required steps while maintaining a full time job? Thank you for your time!

[@mike_pertz]

That’s awesome! And yes it’s definitely possible, I did it and so did a few other guys I work with.

[@kellyj5389]

We nap. And Wash cars. That is always a daily activity. In between runs. EMS OR FIRE. Any City. And Dept.

[@news603redux]

Here in New Hampshire, my scanner has taught me the following. Structure fires {for us} are rare, it's certainly not the old days. But every day stuff? Here goes .... Overdoses .... Homeless fires .... MVA's .... Rollovers {thanks, SUVs} .... Psych issues, stage for PD .... And, of course, mutual aid. If YOU'RE not busy you are helping someone else who is. Lastly, as a taxpayer, I still think it's insane to send a million dollar tower out on a lift assist. I know that truck has to show that it just doesn't sit around, but that's a lot of unnecessary wear and tear on a very expensive vehicle.

[@dominidesiderio]

Likely that is part of that dedicated trucks responsibilities. Your Engines are also million dollar trucks as well so if the department is not dedicating a service vehicle for medicals it will fall to a very expensive piece of equipment. I would also say that as a tax payer you might not believe they should be using some vehicles just to be using it, but you need to know what happens when a good truck/engine sits. They can get checked every morning but if the truck check is all that vehicle ever gets, it will quickly begin having leaks and need maintenance when it is run. Likely, these small calls are saving you the tax payer money in the form of saving on maintenance problems from sitting all the time.

[@news603redux]

@@dominidesiderio While I certainly agree that sitting for prolonged periods is the worst thing you can do to a vehicle, between stills, MVA's, blocking etc., everything gets used plenty. Still would make much more {common} sense to send two guys out in an Explorer to get someone's butt out of a chair and then just meet the rest of the crew at a call if needed.

[@dominidesiderio]

@@news603redux depends on what your local department has. My city doesn't even have service vehicles like that so everything is a big expensive apparatus. Im sure their SOPs and SOGs dictate how they respond and their board meetings are a place where citizens can air their grievances. If it's that important then vote on things to get change and show up at board meetings and have the conversations.

[@Tacos888]

then u have the guy who calls n says yeha i own 50k rds of 556 and other rounds. plz be aware

[@krose3781]

Me: Works this job every day Also me: Watches this video to find out what I do everyday

[@andrewpena9041]

I'm posting this 1:29 in. If its anything like the Navy, I'm guessing a lot of maintenance and cleaning when there are no calls. (Edit: I forgot training. Maintenance, training, and cleaning.)

[@garyradtke3252]

Same in the Coast Guard and I suspect all of the forces. Always something to do. Especially when most of the equipment is over 25 years old and even much older for the high dollar items like ships and buildings.

[@andrewpena9041]

@@garyradtke3252 I'm an Electronics Technician for the Navy Reserves. All the communications equipment (RF transmitters and receivers) I trained on is from the late 50s and 60s. Radar is fairly new because it keeps getting capability upgrades.

[@darkskinwhite]

appreciate your service 🫡

[@adamr1162]

My department has a supply of smoke detectors that we provide for those how aren’t able to afford them. And LOTS of battery changes. Cheers!

[@viralon4k782]

Hey I’m 17 I just wanted how do I become a firefighter in Dallas Tx? I know I have to be at least 18

[@nicholasmakepeace8748]

Thanks you

[@chrismachado4065]

I’m 21 yrs old and my mom just brought up the idea to me of becoming a firefighter, something to think about

[@ericparrish1515]

That's a cool rhinoceros

[@hsmith3844]

General public in my area believe we do NOTHING!!!!...... work a structure from 1900 till 2400 THEN go back to station till 0300 getting tools and hose squared away and hung to dry and laid on hose bed. OH go back to sleep as a volly till the next job if your retired like I am . now retired at 69. OH go to an arson on an there connected older country store for 12 hours till I drove engine back to station to clean up four hours with all personnel. lucky day

[@sethlampman7646]

Hey buddy, I would love to ask you some questions. Do you have somewhere I can DM you? Thinking about going back to school to be a fire fighter

[@dylanzander3296]

Also firefighters first respond to car accidents to assist in medical treatment, extraction and fix oil spills or chemicals leaking and other stuff

[@7yxc]

he said that..

[@Ghettofireman80]

I’m wondering what ur station has in jobs (fires) for a year

[@doozerakapuckfutin]

Any insite in to the day to day is helpful to the old J P

[@ChiraqVet]

Wow, id been like next time your bigass falls, call the zoo keeper.

[@yourboyalex6015]

The thumbnail is that the Chinatown fire department in Chicago? Lol

[@420torrez5]

So what are your thoughts on Chicago Fire and Station 19 are they accurate shows????

[@jimbobcramden]

I'm curious is a Lift assist a emergency

[@ecoreas3878]

No, public assistance.

[@ChiTownGuerrilla]

People are so ignorant it's sad. No body is interesting or unique anymore.

[@Ghettofireman80]

Firefighters r called to everything that could be ur neighbor above u tub is leaking or power outage ems fire anything u can think of the fire department I work for has done I’ve put a ladder to a tree telling my LT that cats have never died in trees and that cat jumped we get everything

[@Dad-979]

E8 or T4 CFD?

[@fdnythings_]

Where do you work

[@redzen2491]

Do you get a break as a firefighter?

[@travisdavis5182]

Yes. Most departments have what are called “business hours” which means we do busy daily duties during the day. But that comes with the caveat of not running calls. Go visit any station and you would be surprised people clean it is.

[@mike_pertz]

Ya, usually...Like the other comment says, the day to day stuff is usually done during the hours of 7-3, 9-5 "business hours" outside of that it's calls and community events

[@lisaball1701]

In my opinion, the one thing of firefighting shift whether it’s 12, 24 or 48 hours long, you don’t always know what’s in stock for the day. You have your routine expected responsibilities like which are discussed in the video such as apparatus and equipment checks, station cleaning and maintenance duties, physical fitness training, company job training, and maybe some kind of public event and a planned break for breakfast lunch and dinner. Muddled among that is interruption for calls which are our main priority. Usually it’s up to the station/company officer to manage the time to prioritize the tasks, allow the guys and gals to recharge or things to fix. We like to recharge after a long shift, so we get as much done as possible on the front end of our shift, to recharge as much as we can or allow time gaps if we get super busy.

[@yap1882]

i feel like you work in california by all these things your saying

[@mike_pertz]

haha I went to school out there, but I live and work in Ohio now

[@DogmaGirlAD]

This is a lot of jobs and professions... Everybody assumes no one but them does anything. A lot of jobs have a whole non-obvious part to them.

[@drewski1867]

Quick question. I plan on pursuing a career in firefighting, but I have a wife who isn’t comfortable with being home by herself at night. Do you have to live at the fire academy for the duration of the training or are you allowed to go home?

[@notlikely4468]

Empty My Trash... Ain't Lifting Shit....

[@american236]

It’s true I think firefighters most of the day just sit around and watch TV I would probably say depends on the day depends on the weekend but I would say Monday through Thursday firefighters probably spend four out of the eight hours just sitting around I have no idea but that’s what I just think

[@Pappy04]

Smoke Detectors SAVE LIVES !

[@johnellard2191]

With all do respect, fire unions fought against doing anything but fight fires. Cities said fine we are laying you off because of decreased fire load Tada! Forced into to other calls. New Jersey.

[@Ghettofireman80]

I would say 50 percent of my department doesn’t do anything

[@IoTSecurity]

That likely wasn't an issue with not knowing what Firefighters do. That was an issue of a person who was embarred by the fact that they required assistance. It's a stereotypical psychological response.

[@lorrangee9083]

First!